ITIC MEA| Travel & Health Risks in MEA

The ITIJ team have been reporting from ITIC MEA 2023 in Abu Dhabi this week (15th May 2023) sharing the discussions that took place at the conference. Read all reports

First to speak was Claire McKinnon, Director of Sales – Insurance and Partners, Healix International.

McKinnon explained that the changes in healthcare management have moved towards a more proactive approach, aiming to mitigate the risks before an accident, injury or illness occurs.

In order to manage emergent problems, she described the use of experts, networks and providers, that are involved in coordinated responses, and said methods employed to help get ahead of issues facing travellers include screening and pre-deployment medical reviews.

She also relayed that there has been work in the security risk management arena for remote and challenging environments, where solutions include journey planners, security trackers and sharing full itineraries.

Medical risks

McKinnon entreated that people needed to be informed of the risk of catching an infectious disease beforehand and to be aware of vaccinations as a preventative measure, using governmental websites and apps that have information on where to get prophylactics for these diseases. She stated that the best thing to do is to get information early.

McKinnon explained that travellers also need to be aware of the risks involved in the process of travel itself, whereby road traffic accidents can be particularly common, made worse in areas with poor road infrastructures and lax cultural attitudes to seatbelts or drinking and driving. She said that the medical infrastructure needs to be taken into account, where there may be inadequate or limited medical care in remote regions, and the danger of counterfeit medications.

Security risks

McKinnon described the security risks including civil unrest. Stating that in areas of conflict, civilian collateral damage and risk to life is greater. She encouraged organisations to take note of those risks and mitigate them by being informed and modifying one’s behaviour so as to not stand out unnecessarily. She also indicated that a company sending an employee abroad has a duty of care to provide information about the religions, politics and cultures that influence legal systems.

Cameron asked the panel how to deal with the various cultural differences that lead to legal differences. McKinnon reiterated that the solution is to be informed and educated before travel.

Next to speak was Dr Fatih Mehmet Gül, MD, CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital, and Vice President of the UAE and Group Growth Office.

Dr Gül explained that the ed Arab Emirates, and the Gulf Cooperation Council in general, have lower health and travel-related risks than the rest of the Middle East and are becoming comparable to any European city.

He identified that the population that has the most problems when travelling are the short-term travellers, especially business travellers. He explained that they are a vulnerable population that requires careful management as their motivation to travel is different from that of a tourist. He indicated that it is important for them to understand local laws, customs and dynamics before they travel, and that health risks are also an important consideration – including malaria and other vector-borne diseases – recommending they take appropriate vaccinations before travel.

Dr Gül indicated that there are health risks associated with water and food poisoning, and that travellers have to be wary about where they eat and drink from. Furthermore, he said that researching local healthcare providers is important and to not just go to any provider. He said that he has often had to care for patients that have been made worse after visiting facilities with low standards of care, and appealed to the insurance companies to get their travellers to contact them before going to a care provider while abroad, so they can be directed to appropriate care without an increased risk of harm.

Cameron asked the panel if they worry about bringing in contagions to the hospital. Dr Gül stated that a good hospital or facility would maintain certain minimum healthcare standards with clinical suspicion of disease, triage, isolation and personal protective equipment for infectious or contagious patients to protect the staff and other patients.

The final speaker for the session was Ozan Alemdaroğlu, Deputy General Manager at Redstar Aviation.

Alemdaroğlu reaffirmed that infectious and contagious diseases were a severe health risk and that car accidents were a common concern. He also warned that, due to the wide variety in ecology across MEA, trauma from large animal attacks and envenomations were a risk to travellers.

Alemdaroğlu indicated that risks to travellers are when there is insufficient medical care and supply of medical goods. He said that clean food and water, and good hygiene practices are to be considered when travelling to regions with a poor health infrastructure.

Security risks

Alemdaroğlu warned that travelling to high population centres with opposing cultures or religions is risky and they see many repatriations for injuries as a consequence. Furthermore, he listed terrorism, armed hostility and crime as threats posed to visitors travelling across some countries in MEA.

Mitigating the risks

Alemdaroğlu said that companies need to consider their duty of care to their employees. This starts with a risk assessment, taking into account airspace restrictions or military activities. He said sufficient insurance coverage was important. Furthermore, Alemdaroğlu said that they always try to understand the culture of the country that they fly into as this helps lower the risk to staff.

During the risk assessments, Alemdaroğlu said they are led by and follow local authorities’ and governmental advice on travel, and information from trusted partners, industry experts and insurance companies, as well as relying on a local network to ensure that they have regional support. He said adequate flight planning helps mitigate risks and emphasised the importance numerous backup plans.

Cameron asked the panel what they felt was the most important thing to do when someone is planning on travel. Alemdaroğlu stated that preparation was key. Dr Gül concurred that education and online research was vital. McKinnon agreed and stated that the basics were important, making sure that the traveller has insurance and healthcare cover.